Avanti Equestrian

Congratulations to EMO Stables and rider Holly Shepherd on claiming the Take2 Thoroughbred Hunter Championship at Upperville on Monday evening!

The handsome bay gelding, known on the track as Tricky Drake (Impeachment - Colony Trick - Nineeleven), made just two starts during his racing career, earning $371 before finding success in the show ring. Today, he and Shepherd return to the spotlight as one of 56 entries in the $25,000 Upperville Thoroughbred Hunter Derby, where they will compete for top honors against a talented field of fellow Thoroughbreds.

Good luck to all of today's Derby contenders as they showcase the versatility and second careers of these remarkable horses!

📸 Teresa Ramsay Photography